Excerpt from Macarons and Murder

Chapter 1

Emma Harper stepped out onto the cobblestoned streets of Paris, her red hair catching the morning light. She breathed in the aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee that seemed to permeate every corner of the city.

"You ready?" Daniel Lindberg asked, his blue eyes crinkling with a smile as he took her hand.

Emma nodded, trying to quiet the butterflies in her stomach. "As I'll ever be."

They walked hand in hand through the winding streets of the St Germain district, passing charming cafés and boutiques. Emma marveled at the city around her - the elegant Parisian architecture, the window boxes overflowing with flowers. It was like stepping into a painting.

But as they approached Lundi à Paris, the well-known patisserie where she and Daniel would be taking a macaron baking class for the next two weeks, Emma felt a twinge of nerves. Of course, she owned her own bakery back home in Whispering Pines, Minnesota, but this was different. This was Paris, the epicenter of pastry arts. Once again, she was overwhelmed with the feeling of being a small-town amateur playing at being a real baker.

"You're going to do great, Em," Daniel said, as if reading her thoughts. "You're one of the most talented bakers I know."

Emma forced a smile, wishing she had his confidence. "I just don't want to make a fool of myself. These are world-class pastry chefs."

"And you're a world-class baker," he insisted. "Your cinnamon rolls and snickerdoodles are the best I've ever tasted. The only difference with macarons is they've got that fancy French accent."

Emma laughed despite herself as they arrived at the patisserie's blue façade, adorned with flower-filled window boxes. She peeked through the window at the marble countertops and glass display cases filled with delicate pastries and colorful macarons. It looked like something out of a fairy tale.

"Here goes nothing," she murmured, squaring her shoulders.

Daniel squeezed her hand as he opened the door, causing a small bell to tinkle overhead. "You've got this, Em. And I'll be right here beside you, making one baking mistake after another. Just to make you look good, of course." He winked at her.

Emma took a deep breath, and she and Daniel entered Lundi à Paris. The cozy interior was even more picturesque than it had looked through the window. There were pink and black café chairs and tables, and tiny vases with sprigs of blue and white flowers. She breathed in the smells of butter and sugar.

Behind the counter stood a petite woman with a stylish black bob and intense dark eyes. A jolly, round-faced man with salt-and-pepper hair peeking out from under his chef's hat came through a doorway to join her.

"Welcome!" the woman said, her French accent musical. "I am Amelie Duval, and this is Jacques Leclair. You must be Emma and Daniel."

Emma smiled and held out her hand. She was surprised when they both ignored her hand and pulled her in for kisses on her cheeks. "Oh!" Emma said, "It's wonderful to meet you! I can't wait to learn from you."

Jacques beamed. "Welcome! Welcome." He kissed Daniel on both cheeks as he had Emma, and said, "And we have a surprise! Bien sur! We will have a dinner cruise on the Seine tonight. A chance to get to know each other and see Paris in all her evening glory."

Emma's eyes widened. A river cruise sounded magical, but the thought of mingling with her classmates made her palms sweat.

Just then, the door jingled, and a plump, curly-haired woman hurried in, slightly out of breath. "I'm here! I'm so glad I finally made it! Fiona McEwan. Plane was delayed." She had a charming Scottish lilt to her voice.

Amelie waved away her apology. "You're just in time to hear about our river cruise tonight!"

Fiona's green eyes sparkled behind her glasses. "Oh, how lovely!"

The door opened again, and a tall, sandy-haired man sauntered in, a duffle bag slung over his shoulder. "Hey, I'm Ben Carter." He looked around. "This is cool, man." He grinned and held out his hand to Jacques, only to be pulled in for kisses as Emma and Daniel had been. Ben seemed unfazed by this and just grinned. "So, is this where I get the scoop on the hotel?"

Jacques nodded. "Yes, L'Oiseau is just up the street. You'll all be staying there, except for Giulia, who lives here in Paris already."

Ben grinned wider. "Awesome. And did I hear something about a river cruise?"

As Amelie filled him in on the details, two more people entered the patisserie - a honey-brown haired woman with an Italian accent who introduced herself as Giulia Romano, and a distinguished older gentleman with a crisp British accent named Henry Whitman.

Emma felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as she surveyed her classmates. They all seemed so worldly. But at least most of them were native English speakers. That was a relief.

Daniel must have sensed her unease because he slipped an arm around her waist and whispered, "See? You're not the only one new to Paris. This is going to be an adventure for all of us."

Emma gathered her bags and followed the others out the door of Lundi à Paris. As they strolled up the narrow cobblestone street towards L'Oiseau, she fell into step beside Fiona.

"What brings you to Paris? Just baking, or is this also a vacation?" Emma asked.

Fiona's green eyes twinkled behind a pair of bright green glasses. "I've always wanted to learn the art of French baking. And you cannae beat Paris for inspiration for my watercolors."

"You're an artist?"

"Aye, I paint landscapes mostly. The way the light hits the Seine..." Fiona sighed wistfully.

Ben had been walking ahead and dropped back to join them. "I don't know much about painting, but I'm stoked to learn how to make macarons."

Emma smiled in surprise. With his laid-back surfer vibe, Ben seemed an unlikely pastry enthusiast.

As if reading her thoughts, he grinned. "I know, I don't fit the baker stereotype. But I love experimenting with flavors. And there's a certain Zen to piping out perfect macaron shells."

Henry had been quiet until now, but he chimed in. "Speaking of perfect, wait until you see the view from L'Oiseau's rooftop terrace. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Montmartre."

"You've been here before?" Daniel asked.

"Many times. Paris is a city I never tire of exploring. Did you know that the word 'macaron' first appeared in a French dictionary in the 1600s?"

As Henry regaled them with tales of Paris's culinary history, Emma felt her nervousness beginning to dissipate. These people weren't so different from her - they all shared a passion for baking and a desire to soak up the magic of Paris.

Before she knew it, they had arrived at L'Oiseau. The hotel was a charming traditional white stone building with blue-and-white striped awnings. Flower boxes bursting with colorful blooms hung on the wrought-iron balconies.

Inside, the receptionist, a petite woman with perfectly styled grey hair, greeted them warmly and distributed their room keys. "Breakfast is served in the café each morning from 7 to 10," she informed them. “If there is anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Emma and Daniel took the open, iron elevator to the third floor. Their rooms were next to each other at the end of a plushily carpeted, wood paneled hallway. As Emma unlocked her door and stepped inside, she gasped in delight. The room was decorated in shades of blue and white, with a plush bed piled high with pillows. French doors led out to a small balcony overlooking the street.

She flopped onto the bed, feeling the tension drain from her body. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so daunting after all. With renewed energy, she jumped up and began to unpack, eager to get to the river cruise and meet the rest of the class.

 

After unpacking, Emma and Daniel decided to explore the neighborhood around their hotel before the evening boat cruise. They strolled hand-in-hand along the narrow sidewalks, marveling at the ornate Parisian architecture and the chic locals bustling past.

The late afternoon sun bathed everything in a warm, golden glow. The air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread and rich coffee. Emma's stomach rumbled, reminding her that they hadn't eaten since the croissants at Lundi à Paris that morning.

As if reading her mind, Daniel pointed to a sidewalk café on the corner. "Want to grab a quick bite?"

Emma nodded, already moving toward the shop. They settled at a small round table, shaded by a red-and-white striped umbrella. A waiter in a crisp white apron approached, and Daniel ordered for them in fluent French.

"Deux cappuccinos et deux croissants au jambon et fromage, s'il vous plaît."

As they waited for their coffee and ham and cheese croissants, Emma watched Parisian life swirl around them. Women in tailored suits and high heels click-clacked past, a man in a beret rode by on a bicycle with two baguettes tucked under his arm, and a group of teenagers chattered animatedly as they walked tiny, impeccably groomed dogs.

Emma sighed, feeling a twinge of inadequacy. "I can't believe we're actually here. In Paris. It feels like a dream."

Daniel reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "You've been talking about this trip for years. You deserve it."

"I know, but..." Emma hesitated. "Everyone here seems so worldly and sophisticated. I feel a bit out of my league."

"You're a world-class baker. You belong here just as much as anyone else."

She smiled gratefully at him. "I'm just glad to get away from the craziness back home for a while. No early morning baking, no rushing to fill orders, and definitely no murder mysteries to solve."

Daniel laughed. "I have to admit, a vacation with nothing to focus on but macarons and spending time with you sounds pretty perfect right now."

Their coffee and croissants arrived, and they dug in, savoring the flaky, buttery pastries and the rich, smooth cappuccinos. As the caffeine and the carbs kicked in, Emma felt her spirits lifting. Paris might be a far cry from Whispering Pines, but that was exactly what she needed - a chance to step outside her comfort zone, learn new skills, and enjoy some much-needed relaxation with the man she loved.

 

Chapter 2

As the taxi pulled up to the quay beside the Eiffel Tower, Emma's breath caught. The tower soared above her, its iron lattice glowing a warm golden in the early evening light. Strings of lights twinkled along its arches, making it seem magical against the darkening sky.

Daniel paid the driver and came around to open Emma's door. She stepped out, unable to tear her gaze away from the magnificent tower.

"It's even more beautiful seeing it in person," she murmured.

Daniel slipped his arm around her waist. "Just wait until you see it from the river."

They made their way down to the dock where a sleek white boat bobbed gently on the Seine. The name "Le Paquebot" was emblazoned on its side in elegant script. Lanterns hung from the railings, their reflections glowing on the polished wood deck.

As they approached the gangplank, Emma spotted Amelie and Jacques waiting to greet them. Amelie wore a fitted black dress and red heels, while Jacques was wearing a very French-looking navy suit with a small scarf tied around his neck.

"Bonsoir, Emma! Bonsoir, Daniel!" Amelie called out, air kissing them both on each cheek. "Welcome aboard Le Paquebot."

Jacques shook Daniel's hand and gave Emma a warm hug. "We're so glad you could join us. Please, make yourselves at home."

They stepped onto the deck, where round tables draped in white linens awaited. Each table held a flickering candle and a small vase of red roses. Soft music played from hidden speakers, mingling with the gentle lapping of the water against the hull.

Emma spotted Ben and Henry already seated at a table, deep in conversation. Ben looked up as they approached and grinned.

"Hey, you two! Grab a seat." He gestured to the empty chairs beside him.

As Emma settled in, she noticed Giulia making her way up the gangplank. The Italian woman looked stunning in a flowing floral sundress, her honey-brown hair tumbling over her shoulders.

Ben let out a low whistle. "Wow. Ciao, bella!"

Giulia laughed and gave a little twirl. "You like?"

"I more than like." Ben winked at her. "Save a dance for me later?"

Giulia rolled her eyes, but Emma could see a hint of a pink in her cheeks that hadn’t been there a moment earlier.

As more of her classmates arrived, Emma found herself relaxing in the festive atmosphere on the boat. She watched a dark-haired couple approach.

"José! Maria!" Amelie greeted them. "Welcome!"

José and Maria made their way up the gangplank, arm in arm. Maria was a gorgeous, petite woman with flowing dark hair. She looked radiant in a red dress that swirled around her ankles. Beside her, José cut a dashing figure in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks.

"Hola, amigos!" José called out to the other class members, his face splitting into a wide grin. "What a beautiful evening for a cruise, no?"

"Absolutely stunning," Amelie agreed, greeting them with air kisses.

Maria's eyes sparkled as she turned to the others and took in the twinkling lights and elegant table settings. She paused, Emma noticed, when she saw Ben, and was it Emma's imagination, or did her cheeks flush the tiniest bit before she looked away?

"Oh, it's just lovely! Isn't it romantic, mi amor?" She turned her smile to José.

He smiled down at her, pulling her close. "Not as lovely as you, mi corazón."

Emma felt a happy tingle at their easy affection. She glanced at Daniel, and he smiled back.

Just then, a distinguished Asian man in a tailored grey suit stepped onboard. He nodded formally to Amelie and Jacques.

Jacques pulled him in for air kisses and the man looked torn between horrified and pleased.

"Hiro!" Jacques said. "Welcome, welcome."

Hiro nodded again, this time with a small smile, before joining the others at a table.

"Good evening, everyone," he said in a soft voice. "I'm pleased to meet you. Are you all doing well?"

"Doing great, thanks!" Ben replied, raising his glass in a toast. "Here's to an unforgettable night on the Seine!"

The others echoed his sentiment, clinking glasses. Emma sipped her champagne, feeling the bubbles dance on her tongue. Maria and José were sitting at their own table, but Ben, Emma noticed, kept glancing their way.

Fiona arrived next, her curly hair tamed into a sleek updo. She wore a flowing green dress that brought out the color of her eyes.

"Well, don't you all look posh!" she exclaimed, hurrying over and settling into the chair next to Emma. "I feel like I've stepped into a movie scene."

Emma grinned at her. "I know, right? It's almost too perfect to be real."

"Ah, but that's the magic of Paris," Fiona said with a wink. "Anything is possible here."

Just then a tall woman in a loose, floor-length dress and light cardigan appeared at the top of the gangplank, looking flustered. Her chestnut hair was slightly disheveled, and she clutched a large tote bag to her chest.

"Oh, I'm so sorry I'm late!" she apologized, hurrying over to Amelie and Jacques. "I got lost on the way here and then I couldn't find my invitation and-"

"It is no problem," Jacques said as he kissed her cheeks. "No problem at all."

Amelie hugged the woman and planted kisses on her cheeks. "Charlotte, my dear, we are only glad you are here."

As Charlotte thanked them and hurried toward the tables, she tripped on the hem of her dress, stumbling forward.

Henry leapt up and caught her by the elbow, steadying her. "Careful there," he said with a smile. "We wouldn't want you taking an unplanned swim."

Charlotte laughed nervously, her cheeks flushing pink. "Thanks. I'm such a klutz sometimes. My name is Charlotte, by the way." She held out her hand, and Henry took it in his.

"Henry. I'm pleased to meet you."

As Charlotte dropped into her seat, Emma thought this was looking like a fun group of people to spend the next two weeks with- much less intimidating than she’d imagined.

Soon, waiters emerged from the galley, bearing trays laden with a stunning array of appetizers. Delicate crostini topped with creamy goat cheese and fig jam, plump prawns nestled in shot glasses of gazpacho, and colorful vegetable tartare arranged like miniature gardens.

"Oh my goodness, this looks incredible," Emma breathed, reaching for a crostini.

The flavors burst on her tongue - the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the goat cheese tangy and smooth against the crunch of the toasted bread.

As they nibbled on the appetizers, conversation turned to how they’d each decide to take this class.

"I've always wanted to study baking in France," Fiona said, her eyes dreamy. "Ever since I was a little girl and my grandmother taught me how to make scones. When I saw this macaron class advertised, I was dying to come. It was a bit on the pricy side, but—” She waved her hand. “But here we are!”

Ben nodded. "I couldn't resist the chance to learn to make macarons. Who doesn't love French pastries, right?" He winked at Emma.

"What about you, José?" Daniel asked. "What brings you and Maria to Paris?"

José smiled, squeezing his wife's hand. "We're celebrating our tenth anniversary. We first met here, you see, when we were both young and foolish. But we fell in love with each other and with this city. So, we come back every year to remember."

Maria smiled up at José. "He has some business here, and he was staying longer this time. So, when we heard about this class, I thought, why not? A chance to make new memories and new friends."

Emma smiled at their story. She hoped that she and Daniel might have a story like that someday.

The main course arrived then, and Emma's mouth watered at the sight. Perfectly seared scallops nestled on a bed of creamy risotto, tender beef bourguignon that melted in her mouth, and a colorful ratatouille that burst with the flavors of summer.

As they ate, conversation flowed as easily as the wine. Hiro told them about his previous work as a business executive in New York, and how he hoped baking might help him develop new talents now that he's retired. Charlotte was a librarian and blogger who loved finding new adventures she could share with her readers.

"What about you, Emma?" Fiona asked. "What made you decide to take this class?"

Emma swallowed a bite of risotto, considering her answer. "I own a bakery back home," she said. "But I've always wanted to learn more about French techniques. And..." She glanced at Daniel, feeling suddenly shy. "I guess I wanted to get away and do something special with Daniel. Something we could learn and experience together."

Under the table, Daniel's hand found her kneee and squeezed.

As the main course transitioned into a dessert of chocolate mousse with fresh cream and berries, Henry leaned forward to talk to José. "So, José, I understand you're an antique collector and trader. That must be a fascinating line of work."

José looked surprised. "Yes! how did you know that?"

Henry nodded toward Amelie. "She mentioned there was another history buff in the class."

José swirled his wine glass and nodded. "I've always been drawn to the stories behind the objects, the history they carry. Each piece is like a little time capsule."

Henry smiled. "I can certainly relate to that. As a travel writer, I'm always looking for the hidden stories in the places I visit. The histories that aren't always in the guidebooks."

As they discussed Henry's recent book, Emma's attention was caught by Ben, who had turned his charm on Giulia.

"So, Giulia, what brings a lovely woman like yourself to a baking class?"

Giulia laughed, her golden-brown eyes sparkling. "I'm actually a fashion student, studying here in Paris. I'm on break at the moment, and I thought, why not learn something new? Something I can take back home to Italy and share with my family." She smiled wistfully. "My nonna, she loves macarons. I thought it would be nice to surprise her by making some for her myself."

The group murmured their approval, and Emma smiled at the thought. It was a sweet gesture.

Her gaze drifted to Hiro, who had been quietly savoring his mousse. "What about you, Hiro? What did you do in business?"

Hiro set down his spoon, his dark eyes thoughtful. "In New York City, I was a business consultant. My specialty is helping businesses grow and expand into new markets. But I've recently retired from my job."

Emma's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Retired? You don't look old enough to retire!"

Hiro gave a grateful smile. "Well, I've been fortunate in my career. I've worked hard, and I've reached a point where I can step back and enjoy life a bit more. Explore new hobbies, like baking."

Emma nodded, understanding the appeal. "I can relate to that. Running a bakery is fun, but it's also a lot of work. Sometimes it's nice to just...step away and learn something new. Something just for yourself."

Hiro nodded and said, "Exactly."

"You might try gardening," Henry suggested. "It's very soothing."

"Do you garden?" Charlotte asked. "I'm so impressed by people who can get things to grow."

Henry nodded. "I have a small garden at my home outside London. I don't know that I'm especially good at it, but I enjoy it. It takes my mind off work and gives me something to look forward to at the end of a long day. You might try it, Hiro."

Hiro nodded. "It sounds very relaxing. But also difficult in New York City."

"Oh!" Charlotte said, bouncing so that her glass almost tipped over. "You could try container gardening! We've got a whole section on that at the library!"

Hiro nodded a noncommittal thanks.

As the dinner concluded, the class members began to wander about the boat. Jacques stood at the front of the boat and addressed the class, his voice carrying over the hum of the engine and the murmur of conversation. Emma leaned against the railing, Daniel by her side, as they listened to Jacques’s rich, accented words.

"If you look to your right, mes amis, you'll see the grand Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though scarred by the fire of 2019, she still stands proud, a testament to the resilience of Paris and her people."

Emma gazed at the iconic structure, its Gothic spires reaching towards the darkening sky. Even with the scars of the fire, it was breathtaking.

Jacques continued, pointing out other landmarks as they passed. "And there, just coming into view, is the Louvre. Home to some of the world's most famous works of art, including, of course, the Mona Lisa."

The boat turned, offering a stunning view of the glass pyramid that served as the museum's entrance. It glittered in the evening light, a modern marvel against the classic Parisian architecture.

"Paris is a city of contrasts," Jacques mused. "The old and the new, the classic and the modern, the violent and the romantic, all woven together into a tapestry that is uniquely Parisian."

Emma couldn't help but agree. Everywhere she looked, there was something that spoke to the city's rich history.

As they passed under one of the many bridges that spanned the Seine, Jacques drew their attention to the lovers' locks that adorned its railings. "A symbol of eternal love," he said with a smile. "Though the city has had to remove many of them for the sake of the bridges, the sentiment remains. Paris is, after all, the city of love."

Emma glanced at Daniel and found him already looking at her. She smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the summer evening. He leaned down and kissed her.

In this moment, surrounded by the beauty of Paris and the promise of new adventures, she couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

 

Chapter 3

 

As the guests began to walk around the boat and mingle, Emma found herself standing at the railing with Maria. The city's lights sparkled on the Seine's surface.

"So, you are Emma, correct?" Maria began, her voice warm. "Tell me about you and Daniel. How did you two meet?"

Emma smiled, her eyes drifting to where Daniel stood, engaged in conversation with Charlotte. "Daniel's a detective. We met when he was investigating a case in my hometown. I got caught up in it, and, well...the rest is history."

Maria looked surprised. "A detective! And investigating a case! That sounds so exciting. Like something out of a novel." She leaned closer to Emma. "I hope only to relax and enjoy the next couple of weeks in class without worrying about José. He's been so stressed these past few months."

Emma nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. "I know what you mean. I'm hoping for a relaxing time too. There have been...a lot of things going on at home."

Maria tilted her head, intrigued. "Oh? Like what?"

Emma hesitated, not sure how much to share. But there was something about Maria's open, friendly demeanor that invited confidence.

"Well, there have been some murders.